Miranda Vettrus??
Miranda Vettrus (age 15) grew up in an amusement park, makes home movies with her younger sister, Mariah and writes Pixies inspired songs at 3 am in the morning. By the age of 5, Miranda had already jumped off a 100 foot crane thrill-ride dubbed the Sky-coaster dozens of times. She’s completed several short films which she claims nobody will ever see, and her music catalog of original songs keeps growing by the day.
Her spark for singing was ignited at the mature age of three, when she was brought up on stage at church to sing with her mother. She never looked back, and for the next six years, sang and played piano at church, performed at fairs and festivals including her family's amusement park, and sang with the Willamette Girlchoir, an all-girl choir based in Salem, Oregon. “I first saw Miranda perform with the Girlchoir, and I was blown away by the pipes on this little girl,” said music producer Jason Carter. “She stood out like a shining star.”
Two years later, Carter saw her performing solo at a Salem festival, and asked her parents if they’d like to bring her into the studio. The minute she stepped into the vocal booth, Miranda said, “I felt right at home." The two started production on her first demo.
“I was nine years old when I decided I wanted to be a singer,” said Miranda. She plays the piano and guitar, and writes most of her own songs. “In the middle of the day, I’ll get an idea…I'll just set everything aside and start writing (which has got me into trouble at school a few times!)” she added. “Pretty soon, my scribbled out ideas turn into a song.”
Her music inspiration comes partly from her mom, and her dad’s record collection, which includes everything from rock bands like Boston, Blondie and Pink Floyd to country artists like The Oak Ridge Boys and Johnny Cash. "She'll grab a record, lock herself in her room, and learn it note-for-note on her guitar," said her dad, Tom Vettrus.
Miranda continues to perform live both solo and with a band. Performance highlights from the past two years include opening up for country star Billy Dean in Albany, Oregon to a crowd of over 5000, performing for Oliver North, singing the National Anthem opening for Sara Evans, and making a special guest vocal appearance with Gospel Hall of Famer, Larry Norman. In July of 2006, Miranda won first place in the country music category at the USA World Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada. In April, 2010, Miranda’s original song, “I Know Better” won second place in the international Songwriting Competition teen category.
Miranda’s music can be found on most online music sites including iTunes and Amazon.com Her first EP release titled, “Book of Lies” received rave reviews. She’s currently working in the studio with Carter on her follow up EP to be released in summer 2010. “My guitar’s become my prized possession, then my Mac laptop,” Says Miranda. “I love singing and performing. I hope to be doing this for a long time!"
Past Highlighted Shows:
National Anthem spot opening for country star Sara Evans
Holiday Concert with Larry Norman, Salem, Or 2007
Opening Slot for Billy Dean, Albany Or, 2007
Egersund Music Festival, Egersund, Norway, summer 2009
Seaside Gospel Music Festival, Kragerø, Norway, summer 2009
(Headlining with Larry Norman Tribute band to a crowd of 10,000.
Additional headliner Six Pence None The Richer)
Show with Reckless Kelly, Portland, Oregon, April, 2010
Featured artist, Live at 7, KGW channel 8 (NBC) Portland, Oregon, April, 2010